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Fardadi M, Leiter JC, Lu DC, Iwasaki T. Model-based analysis of the acute effects of transcutaneous magnetic spinal cord stimulation on micturition after spinal cord injury in humans. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012237. [PMID: 38950067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM After spinal cord injuries (SCIs), patients may develop either detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) or urinary incontinence, depending on the level of the spinal injury. DSD and incontinence reflect the loss of coordinated neural control among the detrusor muscle, which increases bladder pressure to facilitate urination, and urethral sphincters and pelvic floor muscles, which control the bladder outlet to restrict or permit bladder emptying. Transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied to the spinal cord after SCI reduced DSD and incontinence. We defined, within a mathematical model, the minimum neuronal elements necessary to replicate neurogenic dysfunction of the bladder after a SCI and incorporated into this model the minimum additional neurophysiological features sufficient to replicate the improvements in bladder function associated with lumbar TMS of the spine in patients with SCI. METHODS We created a computational model of the neural circuit of micturition based on Hodgkin-Huxley equations that replicated normal bladder function. We added interneurons and increased network complexity to reproduce dysfunctional micturition after SCI, and we increased the density and complexity of interactions of both inhibitory and excitatory lumbar spinal interneurons responsive to TMS to provide a more diverse set of spinal responses to intrinsic and extrinsic activation of spinal interneurons that remains after SCI. RESULTS The model reproduced the re-emergence of a spinal voiding reflex after SCI. When we investigated the effect of monophasic and biphasic TMS at two frequencies applied at or below T10, the model replicated the improved coordination between detrusor and external urethral sphincter activity that has been observed clinically: low-frequency TMS (1 Hz) within the model normalized control of voiding after SCI, whereas high-frequency TMS (30 Hz) enhanced urine storage. CONCLUSION Neuroplasticity and increased complexity of interactions among lumbar interneurons, beyond what is necessary to simulate normal bladder function, must be present in order to replicate the effects of SCI on control of micturition, and both neuronal and network modifications of lumbar interneurons are essential to understand the mechanisms whereby TMS reduced bladder dysfunction after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Fardadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - J C Leiter
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Daniel C Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Tetsuya Iwasaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Dong L, Tao X, Gong C, Long Y, Xiao L, Luo Y, Wang M, Zhong Y. Effects of central-peripheral FMS on urinary retention after spinal cord injury: a pilot randomized controlled trial protocol. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1274203. [PMID: 38249751 PMCID: PMC10797019 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1274203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Urinary retention is a common complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), which can seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Function magnetic stimulation (FMS) has been widely used in the recovery of neurological function in various diseases, but its application in urinary retention after SCI remains unclear. Therefore, we would like to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to observe the feasible effect of FMS on urinary retention after SCI, to explore its mechanism of action. Method/design This is a single-center pilot RCT, which 60 patients with urinary retention after SCI will be selected, numbered in chronological order of hospitalization, and randomly divided into 4 groups using the random number table method, Groups A (control group), Group B, Group C, and Group D; Each group will receive the same conventional rehabilitation treatment. The whole intervention period 2 weeks and will be evaluated before and after treatment to collect data on residual bladder volume, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), changes in voiding condition, changes in surface electromyography (SEMG) values of pelvic floor muscle and quality of life scores (QoL). Study hypothesis We hypothesized that FMS for the treatment of urinary retention after SCI would have a significant clinical feasible effect;and that peripheral combined with central FMS would be more effective than single-site FMS for the treatment of urinary retention after SCI. Objective (1) To illustrate the clinical effectiveness of FMS in the treatment of urinary retention after SCI and to provide a new treatment modality for the patients; (2) Comparison of the differences in the efficacy of central and peripheral single FMS and combined central and peripheral FMS in the treatment of urinary retention after SCI; (3) To explore the central control mechanisms of bladder function recovery after SCI in conjunction with changes in fNIRS. Trial registration This study has been ethically approved by the Scientific and Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical university with approval number (LLSC-2022112401). It has been registered with the China Clinical Trials Registry with the registration number: ChiCTR2200067143.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Dong
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xi Tao
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Cheng Gong
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi Long
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Maoyuan Wang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Intelligent Rehabilitation Technology Innovation Center, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yanbiao Zhong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Intelligent Rehabilitation Technology Innovation Center, Ganzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Li F, Wei C, Huo S, Liu X, Du J. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Motor Dysfunction After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:53-61. [PMID: 37408131 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the effectiveness of noninvasive brain stimulation on motor dysfunction after incomplete spinal cord injury. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from the inception dates to April 30, 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation and sham stimulation on motor dysfunction in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury were included. Two reviewers performed the data extraction and assessed study quality using Cochrane Collaboration's Tool. The primary outcomes involved upper limb function, lower limb function, spasticity, and activities of daily living. They were analyzed using meta-analysis method and the results were reported as standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Fourteen studies involving 225 patients were included. Noninvasive brain stimulation reduced spasticity at the end of intervention (standardized mean difference = -0.68, 95% confidence interval = -1.32 to -0.03, P = 0.04) and 1-wk follow-up (standardized mean difference = -0.82, 95% confidence interval = -1.48 to -0.16, P = 0.02), but no beneficial effect at 1-mo follow-up (standardized mean difference = -0.32, 95% confidence interval = -1.06 to 0.42, P = 0.39). In addition, noninvasive brain stimulation also increased lower limb muscle strength at 1-mo follow-up (standardized mean difference = 0.69, 95% confidence interval = 0.11 to 1.28, P = 0.02). Other main outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Noninvasive brain stimulation can reduce spasticity, and the favorable effect can sustain for 1 wk after intervention. In addition, noninvasive brain stimulation can increase lower limb muscle strength at 1-mo follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- From the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China (FL, SH, XL, JD); and School of Mathematics and Statistics, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, People's Republic of China (CW)
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Chung YC, Shemmell J, Kumala C, Soedirdjo SDH, Dhaher YY. Identifying spinal tracts transmitting distant effects of trans-spinal magnetic stimulation. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:883-894. [PMID: 37646076 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00202.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimating the state of tract-specific inputs to spinal motoneurons is critical to understanding movement deficits induced by neurological injury and potential pathways to recovery but remains challenging in humans. In this study, we explored the capability of trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TSMS) to modulate distal reflex circuits in young adults. TSMS was applied over the thoracic spine to condition soleus H-reflexes involving sacral-level motoneurons. Three TSMS intensities below the motor threshold were applied at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) between 2 and 20 ms relative to peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). Although low-intensity TSMS yielded no changes in H-reflexes across ISIs, the two higher stimulus intensities yielded two phases of H-reflex inhibition: a relatively long-lasting period at 2- to 9-ms ISIs, and a short phase at 11- to 12-ms ISIs. H-reflex inhibition at 2-ms ISI was uniquely dependent on TSMS intensity. To identify the candidate neural pathways contributing to H-reflex suppression, we constructed a tract-specific conduction time estimation model. Based upon our model, H-reflex inhibition at 11- to 12-ms ISIs is likely a manifestation of orthodromic transmission along the lateral reticulospinal tract. In contrast, the inhibition at 2-ms ISI likely reflects orthodromic transmission along sensory fibers with activation reaching the brain, before descending along motor tracts. Multiple pathways may contribute to H-reflex modulation between 4- and 9-ms ISIs, orthodromic transmission along sensorimotor tracts, and antidromic transmission of multiple motor tracts. Our findings suggest that noninvasive TSMS can influence motoneuron excitability at distal segments and that the contribution of specific tracts to motoneuron excitability may be distinguishable based on conduction velocities.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study explored the capability of trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TSMS) over the thoracic spine to modulate distal reflex circuits, H-reflexes involving sacral-level motoneurons, in young adults. TSMS induced two inhibition phases of H-reflex across interstimulus intervals (ISIs): a relatively long-lasting period at 2- to 9-ms ISIs, and a short phase at 11- to 12-ms ISIs. An estimated probability model constructed from tract-specific conduction velocities allowed the identification of potential spinal tracts contributing to the changes in motoneuron excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Jonathan Shemmell
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Caitlin Kumala
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, United States
| | - Subaryani D H Soedirdjo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Yasin Y Dhaher
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, United States
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
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Kesikburun S, Uran Şan A, Yaşar E, Yılmaz B. The effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor recovery and gait parameters in chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized-controlled study. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 69:275-285. [PMID: 37674795 PMCID: PMC10478546 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2023.11585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to examine the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on gait parameters and lower extremity motor recovery in a more specific sample of individuals with chronic and traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Patients and methods This double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized study included a total of 28 individuals (20 males, 8 females; mean age: 35.7±12.1 years; range, 18 to 45 years) with chronic (>1 year) traumatic iSCI. The participants were randomly allocated to either sham rTMS group (n=14) or real rTMS group (n=14). We compared the groups based on the lower extremity motor scores (LEMS), the temporal-spatial gait measurements using three-dimensional gait analysis, the Walking Index for SCI-II (WISCI-II), and 10-m walking test at baseline, three weeks (post-treatment) and five weeks (follow-up) after the treatment. Results The real rTMS group revealed a significant improvement in walking speed, LEMS score, and 10-m walking test after the treatment compared to baseline (p=0.001, p=0.002, and p=0.023, respectively). Changes in the LEMS score were significantly increased in the real rTMS group compared to the sham group at both three and five weeks (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed in the other variables between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion Our study findings support the therapeutic effectiveness of rTMS on motor recovery in chronic iSCI. The rTMS can be used as an adjuvant therapy to conventional physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of patients with iSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Kesikburun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Medical School, Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ayça Uran Şan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Evren Yaşar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Medical School, Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Bilge Yılmaz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Medical School, Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
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Duguay M, Bonizzato M, Delivet-Mongrain H, Fortier-Lebel N, Martinez M. Uncovering and leveraging the return of voluntary motor programs after paralysis using a bi-cortical neuroprosthesis. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 228:102492. [PMID: 37414352 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Rehabilitative and neuroprosthetic approaches after spinal cord injury (SCI) aim to reestablish voluntary control of movement. Promoting recovery requires a mechanistic understanding of the return of volition over action, but the relationship between re-emerging cortical commands and the return of locomotion is not well established. We introduced a neuroprosthesis delivering targeted bi-cortical stimulation in a clinically relevant contusive SCI model. In healthy and SCI cats, we controlled hindlimb locomotor output by tuning stimulation timing, duration, amplitude, and site. In intact cats, we unveiled a large repertoire of motor programs. After SCI, the evoked hindlimb lifts were highly stereotyped, yet effective in modulating gait and alleviating bilateral foot drag. Results suggest that the neural substrate underpinning motor recovery had traded-off selectivity for efficacy. Longitudinal tests revealed that the return of locomotion after SCI was correlated with recovery of the descending drive, which advocates for rehabilitation interventions directed at the cortical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Duguay
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marco Bonizzato
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hugo Delivet-Mongrain
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Fortier-Lebel
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marina Martinez
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Wang Y, Dong T, Li X, Zhao H, Yang L, Xu R, Fu Y, Li L, Gai X, Qin D. Research progress on the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: a narrative review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1219590. [PMID: 37533475 PMCID: PMC10392830 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1219590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to severe disability and complications. The incidence of SCI is high, and the rehabilitation cycle is long, which increases the economic burden on patients and the health care system. However, there is no practical method of SCI treatment. Recently, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has been shown to induce changes in plasticity in specific areas of the brain by regulating the activity of neurons in the stimulation site and its functionally connected networks. TMS is a new potential method for the rehabilitation of SCI and its complications. In addition, TMS can detect the activity of neural circuits in the central nervous system and supplement the physiological evaluation of SCI severity. This review describes the pathophysiology of SCI as well as the basic principles and classification of TMS. We mainly focused on the latest research progress of TMS in the physiological evaluation of SCI as well as the treatment of motor dysfunction, neuropathic pain, spasticity, neurogenic bladder, respiratory dysfunction, and other complications. This review provides new ideas and future directions for SCI assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xiahuang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mengzi People’s Hospital, Mengzi, China
| | - Huiyun Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dongchuan District People’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xuesong Gai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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Chen S, Zhou Z, Ren M, Chen X, Shi X, Zhang S, Xu S, Zhang X, Zhang X, Lin W, Shan C. Case report: High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 11. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1162149. [PMID: 37273711 PMCID: PMC10232891 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1162149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders that currently have no cure. HSP type 11 (SPG11-HSP) is a complex form carrying mutations in the SPG11 gene. Neuropathological studies demonstrate that motor deficits in these patients are mainly attributed to axonal degeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that can induce central nervous system plasticity and promote neurological recovery by modulating the excitability of cortical neuronal cells. Although rTMS is expected to be a therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative diseases, no previous studies have applied rTMS to treat motor symptoms in SPG11-HSP. Here, we report a case of SPG11-HSP with lower extremity spasticity and gait instability, which were improved by applying high-frequency rTMS (HF-rTMS) at the primary motor cortex (M1). Clinical and physiological features were measured throughout the treatment, including the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the timed up and go (TUG) test and the 10-meter walk test time (10 MWT). The structure and excitability of the CST were assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), respectively. After treatment, the patient gained 17 points of BBS, along with a gradual decrease in MAS scores of the bilateral lower extremity. In addition, the TUG test and 10 MWT improved to varying degrees. TMS assessment showed increased motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, decreased resting motor threshold (RMT), decreased central motor conduction time (CMCT), and decreased difference in the cortical silent period (CSP) between bilateral hemispheres. Using the DTI technique, we observed increased fractional anisotropy (FA) values and decreased mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) values in the CST. It suggests that applying HF-rTMS over the bilateral leg area of M1 (M1-LEG) is beneficial for SPG11-HSP. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of rTMS to promote neurological recovery from both functional and structural perspectives. It may provide a clinical rationale for using rTMS in the rehabilitation of HSP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songmei Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai No. 3 Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, China
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhou
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Ren
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xixi Chen
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Shi
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sicong Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shutian Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai No. 3 Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyuan Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai No. 3 Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanlong Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai No. 3 Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlei Shan
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Leszczyńska K, Huber J. The Role of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Peripheral Electrotherapy, and Neurophysiology Tests for Managing Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041035. [PMID: 37189653 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to find therapeutic methods that support spinal cord functional regeneration continue to be desirable. Natural recovery is limited, so high hopes are being placed on neuromodulation methods which promote neuroplasticity, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electrical stimulation used as treatment options for managing incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) apart from kinesiotherapy. However, there is still no agreement on the methodology and algorithms for treatment with these methods. The search for effective therapy is also hampered by the use of different, often subjective in nature, evaluation methods and difficulties in assessing the actual results of the therapy versus the phenomenon of spontaneous spinal cord regeneration. In this study, an analysis was performed on the database of five trials, and the cumulative data are presented. Participants (iSCI patients) were divided into five groups on the basis of the treatment they had received: rTMS and kinesiotherapy (N = 36), peripheral electrotherapy and kinesiotherapy (N = 65), kinesiotherapy alone (N = 55), rTMS only (N = 34), and peripheral electrotherapy mainly (N = 53). We present changes in amplitudes and frequencies of the motor units’ action potentials recorded by surface electromyography (sEMG) from the tibialis anterior—the index muscle for the lower extremity and the percentage of improvement in sEMG results before and after the applied therapies. The increase in values in sEMG parameters represents the better ability of motor units to recruit and, thus, improvement of neural efferent transmission. Our results indicate that peripheral electrotherapy provides a higher percentage of neurophysiological improvement than rTMS; however, the use of any of these additional stimulation methods (rTMS or peripheral electrotherapy) provided better results than the use of kinesiotherapy alone. The best improvement of tibialis anterior motor units’ activity in iSCI patients provided the application of electrotherapy conjoined with kinesiotherapy and rTMS conjoined with kinesiotherapy. We also undertook a review of the current literature to identify and summarise available works which address the use of rTMS or peripheral electrotherapy as neuromodulation treatment options in patients after iSCI. Our goal is to encourage other clinicians to implement both types of stimulation into the neurorehabilitation program for subjects after iSCI and evaluate their effectiveness with neurophysiological tests such as sEMG so further results and algorithms can be compared across studies. Facilitating the motor rehabilitation process by combining two rehabilitation procedures together was confirmed.
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Anti-spastic effect of contralesional dorsal premotor cortex stimulation in stroke patients with moderate-to-severe spastic paresis: a randomized, controlled pilot trial. Acta Neurol Belg 2023:10.1007/s13760-023-02212-2. [PMID: 36809647 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02212-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed at investigating the effect of a single-session repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex on poststroke upper-limb spasticity. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study consisted of the following three independent parallel arms: inhibitory rTMS (n = 12), excitatory rTMS (n = 12), and sham stimulation (n = 13). The primary and secondary outcome measures were the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and F/M amplitude ratio, respectively. A clinically meaningful difference was defined as a reduction in at least one MAS score. RESULTS There was a statistically significant change in MAS score within only the excitatory rTMS group over time [median (interquartile range) of - 1.0 (- 1.0 to - 0.5), p = 0.004]. However, groups were comparable in terms of median changes in MAS scores (p > 0.05). The proportions of patients achieving at least one MAS score reduction (9/12 in the excitatory rTMS group, 5/12 in the inhibitory rTMS group, and 5/13 in the control group) were also comparable (p = 0.135). For the F/M amplitude ratio, main time effect, main intervention effect, and time-intervention interaction effect were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modulation of the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex with a single-session of excitatory or inhibitory rTMS does not appear to have an immediate anti-spastic effect beyond sham/placebo. The implication of this small study remains unclear and further studies into excitatory rTMS for the treatment of moderate-to-severe spastic paresis in poststroke patients should be undertaken. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO NCT04063995 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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FENG X, WANG T, JIANG Y, LIU Y, YANG H, DUAN Z, JI L, WEI J. Cerebral Theta-Burst Stimulation Combined with Physiotherapy in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Rehabil Med 2023; 55:jrm00375. [PMID: 36779636 PMCID: PMC9941982 DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v55.4375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the effects of cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation with physiotherapy on lower extremity motor recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. DESIGN Randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial. SUBJECTS Adults with incomplete spinal cord injury. METHODS A total of 38 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury were randomized into either an intermittent theta-burst stimulation or a sham group. Both groups participated in physiotherapy 5 times per week for 9 weeks, and cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation or sham intermittent theta-burst stimulation was performed daily, immediately before physiotherapy. The primary outcomes were lower extremity motor score (LEMS), root-mean square (RMS), RMS of the quadriceps femoris muscle, walking speed (WS), and stride length (SL). Secondary outcomes comprised Holden Walking Ability Scale (HWAS) and modified Barthel Index (MBI). The outcomes were assessed before the intervention and 9 weeks after the start of the intervention. RESULTS Nine weeks of cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation with physiotherapy intervention resulted in improved recovery of lower extremity motor recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. Compared with baseline, the changes in LEMS, WS, SL, RMS, HWAS, and MBI were significant in both groups after intervention. The LEMS, WS, SL, RMS, HWAS, and MBI scores were improved more in the intermittent theta-burst stimulation group than in the sham group. CONCLUSION Cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation with physiotherapy promotes lower extremity motor recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. However, this study included a small sample size and lacked a comparison of the treatment effects of multiple stimulation modes, the further research will be required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun FENG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tingting WANG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yan JIANG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Yi LIU
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Haifeng YANG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zongyu DUAN
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Leilei JI
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Juan WEI
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
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12
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A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Motor Cortex on Lower Extremity Spasticity in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. J Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 40:173-179. [PMID: 34817445 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hereditary spastic paraplegia refers to a group of conditions characterized by a slow progression of spasticity in lower limbs resulting in gait abnormalities. Current treatment options have proven to be insufficient in terms of symptom alleviation. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on lower limb spasticity in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia. METHODS Eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either five sessions of active 5 Hz-rTMS ( n = 4) or sham rTMS ( n = 4). The primary outcome was a change in spasticity assessed by the modified Ashworth scale. Secondary outcomes were change in 10 m walking test, Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity motor function, and quality-of-life short-form survey scores. Assessment of the outcomes was done before, upon completion, and 1 month after the intervention. We analyzed the data using repeated-measure analysis of variance. RESULTS Mean age of the participants was 38.5 (SD = 5.4) years, and 50% were women. Compared with sham rTMS, real rTMS was effective in decreasing modified Ashworth scale (rTMS × time: F [df = 2] = 7.44; P = 0.008). Real rTMS group had lower modified Ashworth scale scores at the end of rTMS sessions (estimate = -0.938; SE = 0.295; P = 0.019) and at the end of follow-up (estimate = -0.688; SE = 0.277; P = 0.048) compared with the sham rTMS group. Real and sham rTMS groups were not different in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is an effective method in reducing lower limb spasticity of patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia.
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Chen JM, Li XL, Pan QH, Yang Y, Xu SM, Xu JW. Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on motor function after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:3. [PMID: 36635693 PMCID: PMC9837916 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been used for motor function recovery. However, the effects of NIBS in populations with spinal cord injury (SCI) remain unclear. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the existing evidence on the effects and safety of NIBS against sham groups for motor dysfunction after SCI to provide a reference for clinical decision-making. METHODS Two investigators systematically screened English articles from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for prospective randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of NIBS in motor function recovery after SCI. Studies with at least three sessions of NIBS were included. We assessed the methodological quality of the selected studies using the evidence-based Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS A total of 14 randomized control trials involving 225 participants were included. Nine studies used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and five studies used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The meta-analysis showed that NIBS could improve the lower extremity strength (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.02-1.14, P = 0.004), balance (SMD = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.05-1.24, P = 0.03), and decrease the spasticity (SMD = - 0.64, 95% CI = - 1.20 to - 0.03, P = 0.04). However, the motor ability of the upper extremity in the NIBS groups was not statistically significant compared with those in the control groups (upper-extremity strength: P = 0.97; function: P = 0.56; and spasticity: P = 0.12). The functional mobility in the NIBS groups did not reach statistical significance when compared with the sham NIBS groups (sham groups). Only one patient reported seizures that occurred during stimulation, and no other types of serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION NIBS appears to positively affect the motor function of the lower extremities in SCI patients, despite the marginal P-value and the high heterogeneity. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to support or refute the use and optimize the stimulation parameters of NIBS in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Min Chen
- grid.412594.f0000 0004 1757 2961Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China ,grid.412683.a0000 0004 1758 0400Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Li
- grid.412594.f0000 0004 1757 2961Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Qin-He Pan
- grid.412594.f0000 0004 1757 2961Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Ye Yang
- grid.412594.f0000 0004 1757 2961Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Sen-Ming Xu
- grid.412594.f0000 0004 1757 2961Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian-Wen Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China.
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14
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Dietz N, Wagers S, Harkema SJ, D'Amico JM. Intrathecal and Oral Baclofen Use in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review of Efficacy in Spasticity Reduction, Functional Changes, Dosing, and Adverse Events. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 104:119-131. [PMID: 35750207 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy, dosing, and safety profiles of intrathecal and oral baclofen in treating spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI). DATA SOURCES PubMed and Cochrane Databases were searched from 1970-2018 with keywords baclofen, spinal cord injury, and efficacy. STUDY SELECTION The database search yielded 588 sources and 10 additional relevant publications. After removal of duplicates, 398 publications were screened. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted using the following population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study designs criteria: studies including adult patients with SCI with spasticity; the intervention could be oral or intrathecal administration of baclofen; selection was inclusive for control groups, surgical management, rehabilitation, and alternative pharmaceutical agents; outcomes were efficacy, dosing, and adverse events. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports were included. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS A total of 98 studies were included with 1943 patients. Only 4 randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trials were reported. Thirty-nine studies examined changes in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS; 34 studies) and Penn Spasm scores (Penn Spasm Frequency; 19 studies), with average reductions of 1.7±1.3 and 1.6±1.4 in individuals with SCI, respectively. Of these data, a total of 6 of the 34 studies (MAS) and 2 of the 19 studies (Penn Spasm Frequency) analyzed oral baclofen. Forty-three studies addressed adverse events with muscle weakness and fatigue frequently reported. CONCLUSIONS Baclofen is the most commonly-prescribed antispasmodic after SCI. Surprisingly, there remains a significant lack of large, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trials, with most efficacy data arising from small studies examining treatment across different etiologies. In the studies reviewed, baclofen effectively improved spasticity outcome measures, with increased efficacy through intrathecal administration. Few studies assessed how reduced neural excitability affected residual motor function and activities of daily living. A host of adverse events were reported that may negatively affect quality of life. Comparative randomized controlled trials of baclofen and alternative treatments are warranted because these have demonstrated promise in relieving spasticity with reduced adverse events and without negatively affecting residual motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Dietz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Louisville, KY
| | - Sarah Wagers
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Louisville, KY
| | - Susan J Harkema
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Louisville, KY
| | - Jessica M D'Amico
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Louisville, KY.
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15
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Fan J, Fu H, Xie X, Zhong D, Li Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Zhang J, Huang J, Li J, Jin R, Zheng Z. The effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on spasticity after upper motor neuron injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:973561. [PMID: 36426136 PMCID: PMC9679509 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.973561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on spasticity after upper motor neuron (UMN) injury. Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to August 6, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness and safety of rTMS on spasticity after UMN injury were retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software were used to synthesize data. The certainty of the evidence was appraised with the Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Forty-two studies with a total of 2,108 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis revealed that, compared with control group, rTMS could significantly decrease scores of the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in patients with UMN injury. The subgroup analysis discovered that rTMS effectively decreased the MAS scores in patients with stroke. Meanwhile, rTMS treatment > 10 sessions has better effect and rTMS could decrease the MAS scores of upper limb. Thirty-three patients complained of twitching facial muscles, headache and dizziness, etc. In summary, rTMS could be recommended as an effective and safe therapy to relieve spasticity in patients with UMN injury. However, due to high heterogeneity and limited RCTs, this conclusion should be treated with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Fan
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolong Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, China
| | - Dongling Zhong
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxi Li
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaxi Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,Juan Li,
| | - Rongjiang Jin
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Rongjiang Jin,
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Zhong Zheng,
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16
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Effects of Peripheral Electromagnetic Fields on Spasticity: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133739. [PMID: 35807019 PMCID: PMC9267146 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields are emerging as a therapeutic option for patients with spasticity. They have been applied at brain or peripheral level. The effects of electromagnetic fields applied to the brain have been extensively studied for years in spasticity, but not so at the peripheral level. Therefore, the purpose of our work is to analyze the effects of electromagnetic fields, applied peripherally to spasticity. A systematic review was conducted resulting in 10 clinical trials. The frequency ranged from 1 Hz to 150 Hz, with 25 Hz being the most commonly used and the intensity it was gradually increased but there was low homogeneity in how it was increased. Positive results on spasticity were found in 80% of the studies: improvements in stretch reflex threshold, self questionnaire about difficulties related to spasticity, clinical spasticity score, performance scale, Ashworth scale, spastic tone, Hmax/Mmax Ratio and active and passive dorsal flexion. However, results must be taken with caution due to the large heterogeneity and the small number of articles. In future studies, it would be interesting to agree on the parameters to be used, as well as the way of assessing spasticity, to be more objective in the study of their effectiveness.
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17
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Yang QH, Zhang YH, Du SH, Wang YC, Fang Y, Wang XQ. Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Central Neuropathic Pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:879909. [PMID: 35663263 PMCID: PMC9162797 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.879909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The research and clinical application of the noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique in the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) are increasing. In this review article, we outline the effectiveness and limitations of the NIBS approach in treating common central neuropathic pain (CNP). This article summarizes the research progress of NIBS in the treatment of different CNPs and describes the effects and mechanisms of these methods on different CNPs. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) analgesic research has been relatively mature and applied to a variety of CNP treatments. But the optimal stimulation targets, stimulation intensity, and stimulation time of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for each type of CNP are still difficult to identify. The analgesic mechanism of rTMS is similar to that of tDCS, both of which change cortical excitability and synaptic plasticity, regulate the release of related neurotransmitters and affect the structural and functional connections of brain regions associated with pain processing and regulation. Some deficiencies are found in current NIBS relevant studies, such as small sample size, difficulty to avoid placebo effect, and insufficient research on analgesia mechanism. Future research should gradually carry out large-scale, multicenter studies to test the stability and reliability of the analgesic effects of NIBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Hao Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Zhang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Fang
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Fang,
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Shangti Orthopaedic Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Xue-Qiang Wang,
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18
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Brihmat N, Allexandre D, Saleh S, Zhong J, Yue GH, Forrest GF. Stimulation Parameters Used During Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Recovery and Corticospinal Excitability Modulation in SCI: A Scoping Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:800349. [PMID: 35463922 PMCID: PMC9033167 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.800349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in non-invasive stimulation interventions as treatment strategies to improve functional outcomes and recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuromodulatory intervention which has the potential to reinforce the residual spinal and supraspinal pathways and induce plasticity. Recent reviews have highlighted the therapeutic potential and the beneficial effects of rTMS on motor function, spasticity, and corticospinal excitability modulation in SCI individuals. For this scoping review, we focus on the stimulation parameters used in 20 rTMS protocols. We extracted the rTMS parameters from 16 published rTMS studies involving SCI individuals and were able to infer preliminary associations between specific parameters and the effects observed. Future investigations will need to consider timing, intervention duration and dosage (in terms of number of sessions and number of pulses) that may depend on the stage, the level, and the severity of the injury. There is a need for more real vs. sham rTMS studies, reporting similar designs with sufficient information for replication, to achieve a significant level of evidence regarding the use of rTMS in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Brihmat
- Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Didier Allexandre
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Soha Saleh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Jian Zhong
- Burke Neurological Institute and Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, United States
| | - Guang H. Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Gail F. Forrest
- Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Gail F. Forrest
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19
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Effects of paired stimulation with specific waveforms on cortical and spinal plasticity in subjects with a chronic spinal cord injury. J Formos Med Assoc 2022; 121:2044-2056. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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20
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Kan RL, Xu GX, Shu KT, Lai FH, Kranz G, Kranz GS. Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation in multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2022; 13:20406223211069198. [PMID: 35126965 PMCID: PMC8814979 DOI: 10.1177/20406223211069198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to summarize evidence on the therapeutic effects of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on core symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, findings from studies deploying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols were summarized in this review. Methods: We systematically searched articles published in four databases, until 31 May 2021, which compared the effects of active tDCS or rTMS with sham intervention in MS patients. We used a random-effects model for this meta-analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup meta-analysis were used to examine the effects of stimulation dose and different stimulation protocols, respectively. Results: Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this review, consisting of 19 tDCS and 6 rTMS studies. tDCS led to a significant and immediate reduction of fatigue with a large effect size (Hedges’s g = −0.870, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = [−1.225 to −0.458], number needed to treat (NNT) = 2). Particularly, a subgroup analysis showed that applying tDCS over the left DLPFC and bilateral S1 led to fatigue reductions compared to sham stimulation. Furthermore, tDCS had favorable effects on fatigue in MS patients with low physical disability but not those with high physical disability, and additionally improved cognitive function. Finally, whereas rTMS was observed to reduce muscle spasticity, these NIBS protocols showed no further effect on MS-associated pain and mood symptoms. Conclusion: tDCS in MS alleviates fatigue and improves cognitive function whereas rTMS reduces muscle spasticity. More high-quality studies are needed to substantiate the therapeutic effects of different NIBS protocols in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L.D. Kan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Grace X.J. Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kate T. Shu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Third Military Medical University Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Frank H.Y. Lai
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, The Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gottfried Kranz
- Neurological Rehabilitation Center Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg S. Kranz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, SAR, 999077, China; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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21
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Kumar S, Pal A, Jain S, Velpandian T, Mathur R. Electromagnetic Field Stimulation Attenuates Phasic Nociception after Complete Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111431. [PMID: 34827430 PMCID: PMC8615391 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most incapacitating pathologies, leading to huge rehabilitation challenges besides a social-economic burden on SCI patients and their families. There is no complete curative treatment available so far. Non-invasive and patient-friendly use of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field stimulation (EMF) has emerged as a therapeutic and rehabilitation option. In this study, we tested whole-body EMF stimulation on thoracic complete SCI-induced nociception including sensorimotor deficits in rats. The EMF application significantly attenuated hyperalgesia and allodynia to thermal, electrical, and chemical stimuli from 6 weeks onwards as well as restoration of spinal reflexes, viz., H-reflex and nociceptive flexion reflex at the study endpoint (week 8). Besides, massively increased glutamate at the SCI injury site was observed in SCI rats with no treatment, which was also attenuated significantly by EMF stimulation. Spinal cord histology of the injury area showed a decrease in lesion volume and glial population in the EMF-stimulated rats. These findings indicate the beneficial role of EMF stimulation after thoracic complete SCI in adult male rats and, thereby, a beneficial patient-friendly rehabilitation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Kumar
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ajay Pal
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Suman Jain
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Thirumurthy Velpandian
- Department of Ocular Pharmacy and Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Rashmi Mathur
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
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22
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Simis M, Fregni F, Battistella LR. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robotic training in incomplete spinal cord injury: a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2021; 7:87. [PMID: 34580282 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-021-00448-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. OBJECTIVE To test the effects of tDCS, combined with robotic training, on gait disability in SCI. Our hypothesis was that participants who received active tDCS would experience greater walking gains, as indexed by the WISCI-II, than those who received sham tDCS. SETTING University of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS This randomized, double-blind study comprised 43 participants with incomplete SCI who underwent 30 sessions of active (n = 21) or sham (n = 22) tDCS (20 min, 2 mA) before every Lokomat session of 30 min (3 times a week over 12 weeks or 5 times a week over 6 weeks). The main outcome was the improvement in WISCI-II. Participants were assessed at baseline, after 15 and 30 sessions of Lokomat, and after three months of treatment. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the percentage of participants that improved in WISCI-II at the 30-session, compared with baseline: 33.3% in the sham group and 70.0% in the active group (p = 0.046; OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.0-13.5). At the follow-up, the improvement compared with baseline in the sham group was 35.0% vs. 68.4% for the active group (p = 0.046; OR: 3.7; 95% CI: 1.0-13.5). There was no significant difference at the 15-session. CONCLUSION Thirty sessions of active tDCS is associated with a significant improvement in walking, compared to sham. Moreover, 15 sessions had no significant effect. The improvement in WISCI-II can be related to different aspects of motor learning, including motor recovery and compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Simis
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Institute of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Linamara R Battistella
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Krogh S, Aagaard P, Jønsson AB, Figlewski K, Kasch H. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on recovery in lower limb muscle strength and gait function following spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial. Spinal Cord 2021; 60:135-141. [PMID: 34504284 PMCID: PMC8428490 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Study design Randomized sham-controlled clinical trial. Objectives The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) compared to sham stimulation, on the development of lower limb muscle strength and gait function during rehabilitation of spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting SCI rehabilitation hospital in Viborg, Denmark. Methods Twenty individuals with SCI were randomized to receive rTMS (REAL, n = 11) or sham stimulation (SHAM, n = 9) and usual care for 4 weeks. rTMS (20 Hz, 1800 pulses per session) or sham stimulation was delivered over leg M1 Monday–Friday before lower limb resistance training or physical therapy. Lower limb maximal muscle strength (MVC) and gait function were assessed pre- and post intervention. Lower extremity motor score (LEMS) was assessed at admission and at discharge. Results One individual dropped out due to seizure. More prominent increases in total leg (effect size (ES): 0.40), knee flexor (ES: 0.29), and knee extensor MVC (ES: 0.34) were observed in REAL compared to SHAM; however, repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no clear main effects for any outcome measure (treatment p > 0.15, treatment × time p > 0.76, time p > 0.23). LEMS improved significantly for REAL at discharge, but not for SHAM, and REAL demonstrated greater improvement in LEMS than SHAM (p < 0.02). Similar improvements in gait performance were observed between groups. Conclusions High-frequency rTMS may increase long-term training-induced recovery of lower limb muscle strength following SCI. The effect on short-term recovery is unclear. Four weeks of rTMS, when delivered in conjunction with resistance training, has no effect on recovery of gait function, indicating a task-specific training effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Krogh
- Spinal Cord Injury Center of Western Denmark, Regional Hospital Viborg, Viborg, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Per Aagaard
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anette Bach Jønsson
- Spinal Cord Injury Center of Western Denmark, Regional Hospital Viborg, Viborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Krystian Figlewski
- Spinal Cord Injury Center of Western Denmark, Regional Hospital Viborg, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Helge Kasch
- Spinal Cord Injury Center of Western Denmark, Regional Hospital Viborg, Viborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Mendonça T, Brito R, Luna P, Campêlo M, Shirahige L, Fontes L, Dias R, Piscitelli D, Monte-Silva K. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the modulation of cortical and spinal cord excitability in individuals with spinal cord injury. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2021; 39:291-301. [PMID: 34334434 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-211167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been applied for modulating cortical excitability and treating spasticity in neurological lesions. However, it is unclear which rTMS frequency is most effective in modulating cortical and spinal excitability in incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE To evaluate electrophysiological and clinical repercussions of rTMS compared to sham stimulation when applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) in individuals with incomplete SCI. METHODS A total of 11 subjects (35±12 years) underwent three experimental sessions of rTMS (10 Hz, 1 Hz and sham stimulation) in a randomized order at 90%intensity of the resting motor threshold and interspersed by a seven-day interval between sessions. The following outcome measures were evaluated: M1 and spinal cord excitability and spasticity in the moments before (baseline), immediately after (T0), 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes after rTMS. M1 excitability was obtained through the motor evoked potential (MEP); spinal cord excitability by the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) and homosynaptic depression (HD); and spasticity by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). RESULTS A significant increase in cortical excitability was observed in subjects submitted to 10 Hz rTMS at the T0 moment when compared to sham stimulation (p = 0.008); this increase was also significant at T0 (p = 0.009), T30 (p = 0.005) and T60 (p = 0.005) moments when compared to the baseline condition. No significant differences were observed after the 10 Hz rTMS on spinal excitability or on spasticity. No inter-group differences were detected, or in the time after application of 1 Hz rTMS, or after sham stimulation for any of the assessed outcomes. CONCLUSIONS High-frequency rTMS applied to M1 was able to promote increased cortical excitability in individuals with incomplete SCI for at least 60 minutes; however, it did not modify spinal excitability or spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thyciane Mendonça
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Brito
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil.,NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Brazil
| | - Plínio Luna
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil
| | - Mayara Campêlo
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil
| | - Lívia Shirahige
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil.,NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Brazil
| | - Luís Fontes
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil
| | - Rebeca Dias
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil
| | - Daniele Piscitelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kátia Monte-Silva
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife -PE -Brazil.,NAPeN Network (Núcleo de Assistência e Pesquisa em Neuromodulação), Brazil
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Zhang Z, Lin BS, Peng CW, Chan WP, Lin BS, Lai CH. Design of a Novel Paired Associative Nerve Stimulation System and Treatment Strategy for Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Preliminary Study. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2021; 29:1341-1349. [PMID: 34242169 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2021.3095842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Paired associative nerve stimulation (PANS) was proposed as a potential nerve rehabilitation treatment strategy. However, few relevant documents are available regarding the strategy, and only a few clinical studies have involved healthy people. To determine the feasibility of the neurorehabilitation treatment and to estimate the effect of PANS on nerve plasticity for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), a design combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with trans-spinal electrical stimulation was developed for treating individuals with iSCI in this pilot case study. First, a novel PANS system with multiple stimulation modes was designed and verified with resistors and a metal coil as load. Then, the system was applied to three individuals with iSCI, and five types of paired associative stimulation was performed to confirm the feasibility of the system and determine the most effective treatment strategy. The preliminary result showed that 20-Hz rTMS combined with cathodal trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) had the greatest effect on corticospinal excitability. Next, stimulations of 20-Hz rTMS (brain) and sham (spine) as well as sham (brain) and cathode tsDCS (spine) were administered to individuals with iSCI, and the results revealed that paired associative stimulation of brain and spine was more effective than only 20-Hz rTMS brain stimulation or cathodal tsDCS stimulation for corticospinal plasticity.
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26
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Wincek A, Huber J, Leszczyńska K, Fortuna W, Okurowski S, Chmielak K, Tabakow P. The Long-Term Effect of Treatment Using the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation rTMS in Patients after Incomplete Cervical or Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132975. [PMID: 34279459 PMCID: PMC8268291 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may support motor function recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Its effectiveness mainly depends on the applied algorithm. This clinical and neurophysiological study aimed to assess the effectiveness of high-frequency rTMS in iSCI patients at the C2–Th12 levels. rTMS sessions (lasting 3–5 per month, from 2 to 11 months, 5 months on average) were applied to 26 iSCI subjects. The motor cortex was bilaterally stimulated with a frequency at 20–25 Hz and a stimulus strength that was 70–80% of the resting motor threshold (15.4–45.5% maximal output) during one therapeutic session. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings at rest and during maximal contractions and motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings were performed from the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. The same neurophysiological studies were also performed in patients treated with kinesiotherapy only (K group, n = 25) and compared with patients treated with both kinesiotherapy and rTMS (K + rTMS). A decrease in sEMG amplitudes recorded at rest from the APB muscles (p = 0.001) and an increase in sEMG amplitudes during the maximal contraction of the APB (p = 0.001) and TA (p = 0.009) muscles were found in the K + rTMS group. A comparison of data from MEP studies recorded from both APB and TA muscles showed significant changes in the mean amplitudes but not in latencies, suggesting a slight improvement in the transmission of spinal efferent pathways from the motor cortex to the lower spinal centers. The application of rTMS at 20–25 Hz reduced spasticity in the upper extremity muscles, improved the recruitment of motor units in the upper and lower extremity muscles, and slightly improved the transmission of efferent neural impulses within the spinal pathways in patients with C2–Th12 iSCI. Neurophysiological recordings produced significantly better parameters in the K + rTMS group of patients after therapy. These results may support the hypothesis about the importance of rTMS therapy and possible involvement of the residual efferent pathways including propriospinal neurons in the recovery of the motor control of iSCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wincek
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 nr 135/147, 60-545 Poznań, Poland; (A.W.); (K.L.)
| | - Juliusz Huber
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 nr 135/147, 60-545 Poznań, Poland; (A.W.); (K.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-50-404-1843
| | - Katarzyna Leszczyńska
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 nr 135/147, 60-545 Poznań, Poland; (A.W.); (K.L.)
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.F.); (K.C.); (P.T.)
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Stefan Okurowski
- Neurorehabilitation Center for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries AKSON, ul. Bierutowska 23, 51-317 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.F.); (K.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Paweł Tabakow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (W.F.); (K.C.); (P.T.)
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Sangari S, Kirshblum S, Guest JD, Oudega M, Perez MA. Distinct patterns of spasticity and corticospinal connectivity following complete spinal cord injury. J Physiol 2021; 599:4441-4454. [PMID: 34107068 DOI: 10.1113/jp281862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Damage to corticospinal axons have implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we examined to which extent residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present in muscles below the injury (quadriceps femoris and soleus) in humans with motor complete thoracic SCI. We found three distinct sub-groups of people: participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris and soleus, participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris only, and participants with no spasticity or corticospinal responses in either muscle. Spasticity and corticospinal responses were present in the quadriceps but never only in the soleus muscle, suggesting a proximal to distal gradient of symptoms of hyperreflexia. These results suggest that concomitant patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in humans with motor complete SCI and that a clinical exam of spasticity might be a good predictor of residual corticospinal connectivity. ABSTRACT The loss of corticospinal axons has implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the extent to which residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present across muscles below the injury remains unknown. To address this question, we tested spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale and transmission in the corticospinal pathway by examining motor evoked potentials elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the leg motor cortex (cortical MEPs) and by direct activation of corticospinal axons by electrical stimulation over the thoracic spine (thoracic MEPs), in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscles, in 30 individuals with motor complete thoracic SCI. Cortical MEPs were also conditioned by thoracic electrical stimulation at intervals allowing their summation or collision. We found three distinct sub-groups of participants: 47% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscle, 30% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris muscle only, and 23% showed no spasticity in either muscle. While cortical MEPs were present only in the quadriceps in participants with spasticity, thoracic MEPs were present in both muscles when spasticity was present. Thoracic electrical stimulation facilitated and suppressed cortical MEPs, showing that both forms of stimulation activated similar corticospinal axons. Cortical and thoracic MEPs correlated with the degree of spasticity in both muscles. These results provide the first evidence that related patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in muscles below the injury after motor complete thoracic SCI and highlight that a clinical exam of spasticity can predict residual corticospinal connectivity after severe paralysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sangari
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, 33136
| | - Martin Oudega
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, 60141
| | - Monica A Perez
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, 60141
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28
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Marufa SA, Hsieh TH, Liou JC, Chen HY, Peng CW. Neuromodulatory effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neural plasticity and motor functions in rats with an incomplete spinal cord injury: A preliminary study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252965. [PMID: 34086836 PMCID: PMC8177618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on locomotor function, motor plasticity, and axonal regeneration in an animal model of incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Aneurysm clips with different compression forces were applied extradurally around the spinal cord at T10. Motor plasticity was evaluated by examining the motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Long-term iTBS treatment was given at the post-SCI 5th week and continued for 2 weeks (5 consecutive days/week). Time-course changes in locomotor function and the axonal regeneration level were measured by the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scale, and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43 expression was detected in brain and spinal cord tissues. iTBS-induced potentiation was reduced at post-1-week SCI lesion and had recovered by 4 weeks post-SCI lesion, except in the severe group. Multiple sessions of iTBS treatment enhanced the motor plasticity in all SCI rats. The locomotor function revealed no significant changes between pre- and post-iTBS treatment in SCI rats. The GAP-43 expression level in the spinal cord increased following 2 weeks of iTBS treatment compared to the sham-treatment group. This preclinical model may provide a translational platform to further investigate therapeutic mechanisms of transcranial magnetic stimulation and enhance the possibility of the potential use of TMS with the iTBS scheme for treating SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Ainun Marufa
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiun Liou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yung Chen
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Peng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Therapeutic repetitive Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for neurological dysfunction in Degenerative cervical Myelopathy: An unexplored opportunity? Findings from a systematic review. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 90:76-81. [PMID: 34275584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is one of the commonest causes of non-traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) leading to significant neurological impairments and reduced health-related quality of life. Guidelines recommend surgical intervention to halt disease progression in moderate-to-severe cases, and whilst many do experience neurological recovery, this is incomplete leading to lifelong disability. A James Lind Alliance (JLA) research priority setting partnership for DCM highlighted novel therapies and rehabilitation as top 10 research priority in DCM. Neurological recovery following decompressive surgery in DCM has been attributed neuroplasticity, and therapies influencing neuroplasticity are of interest. Electrical neuromodulation interventions such as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), are being increasingly explored in related fields such as spinal cord injury to improve recovery and symptoms. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the role and efficacy of rTMS as a therapeutic tool in managing neurological dysfunction in DCM. We searched the databases of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHIL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). No studies were identified that had investigated the therapeutic use of rTMS in DCM. A significant number of studies had explored TMS based neurophysiological assessments indicating its role as a screening and prognostication tool in DCM. Post-operative rehabilitation interventions including TMS and non-operative management of DCM is a field which requires further investigation, as required in the AO Spine JLA DCM research priorities. rTMS is a safe neuromodulatory intervention and may have a role in enhancing recovery in DCM. Further research in these fields are required.
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Clinical Benefit of Rehabilitation Training in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021; 46:E398-E410. [PMID: 33620185 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE This study was performed to evaluate the effects of different rehabilitation interventions in spinal cord injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Several activity-based interventions have been widely applied in spinal cord injury in the past, but the effects of these rehabilitation exercises are controversial. METHODS Publications were searched from databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, the database of the U.S. National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) using the searching terms like spinal cord injury, transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, activity-based therapy, and robotic-assisted locomotor training. Randomized controlled trials and controlled trials were included. The primary outcomes included functional upper/lower extremity independence, walking capacity, spasticity, and life quality of individuals with spinal cord injury. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.0 software. RESULTS Thirty-one articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that transcranial magnetic stimulation improved walking speed (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01, 0.16) and lower extremity function (95% CI 1.55, 7.27); functional electrical stimulation significantly increased upper extremity independence (95% CI 0.37, 5.48). Robotic-assisted treadmill training improved lower extremity function (95% CI 3.44, 6.56) compared with related controls. CONCLUSION Activity-based intervention like transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, and robotic-assisted treadmill training are effective in improving function in individuals with spinal cord injury.Level of Evidence: 1.
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Abstract
Spasticity is one component of the upper motor neuron (UMN) syndrome resulting from a multitude of neurologic conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. It is clinically recognized as a phenomenon of velocity-dependent increase in resistance, i.e., hypertonia. Recent advances in the pathophysiology of spasticity improve our understanding of mechanisms underlying this complex phenomenon and its relations to other components of UMN syndrome (weakness and disordered motor control), as well as the resultant clinical problems. This theoretical framework provides a foundation to set up treatment goals and to guide goal-oriented clinical assessment and treatment. Among a spectrum of treatment options, botulinum toxin (BoNT) therapy is the preferred treatment for focal spasticity. The evidence is very robust that BoNT therapy effectively reduces spasticity; however, it does not improve voluntary movement. In this chapter, we highlight a few issues on how to achieve the best clinical outcomes of BoNT therapy, such as dosing, dilution, guidance techniques, adjunctive therapies, early treatment, repeated injections, and central effects, as well as the ways to improve motor function in selected subgroups of patients with spasticity. We also discuss the reasons of poor responses to BoNT therapy and when not to use BoNT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Gerard E Francisco
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Cha Y, Arami A. Quantitative Modeling of Spasticity for Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E5046. [PMID: 32899490 PMCID: PMC7571189 DOI: 10.3390/s20185046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spasticity, a common symptom in patients with upper motor neuron lesions, reduces the ability of a person to freely move their limbs by generating unwanted reflexes. Spasticity can interfere with rehabilitation programs and cause pain, muscle atrophy and musculoskeletal deformities. Despite its prevalence, it is not commonly understood. Widely used clinical scores are neither accurate nor reliable for spasticity assessment and follow up of treatments. Advancement of wearable sensors, signal processing and robotic platforms have enabled new developments and modeling approaches to better quantify spasticity. In this paper, we review quantitative modeling techniques that have been used for evaluating spasticity. These models generate objective measures to assess spasticity and use different approaches, such as purely mechanical modeling, musculoskeletal and neurological modeling, and threshold control-based modeling. We compare their advantages and limitations and discuss the recommendations for future studies. Finally, we discuss the focus on treatment and rehabilitation and the need for further investigation in those directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesung Cha
- Neuromechanics and Assistive Robotics Laboratory, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Arash Arami
- Neuromechanics and Assistive Robotics Laboratory, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada
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Nogueira F, Shirahige L, Brito R, Monte-Silva K. Independent community walking after a short protocol of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation associated with body weight-support treadmill training in a patient with chronic spinal cord injury: a case report. Physiother Theory Pract 2020; 38:839-845. [PMID: 32787480 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2020.1802797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our report describes the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on independent gait recovery in a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). CASE DESCRIPTION The patient was a 31-year-old male, household ambulator (aid walker) and community wheelchair user who was 8.5 year post traumatic iSCI (T8 vertebra injury, AIS D). INTERVENTION The patient participated in 12 sessions (three times/week for four weeks) of rTMS (1800 pulses, 10 Hz, intensity of 90% resting motor threshold) followed by BWSTT (15-20 min, moderate intensity). OUTCOMES After treatment, the patient's score increased 3 points on the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (walking independence) and he became a community ambulator with crutches. His American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) lower extremities motor score (motor function) increased from 33 to 45 points and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (functional independence) score increased from 23 to 29 for the mobility indoors/outdoors subscale. The patient's lower limb spasticity was reduced (Modified Ashworth Scale), and quality of life improved based on the Short-Form Health Survey - 36, and the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale showed considerable perception of improvement. CONCLUSION Our report suggests that a short protocol of rTMS combined with BWSTT improved walking independence, motor function, spasticity, functional mobility and quality of life in this patient with iSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Nogueira
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Lívia Shirahige
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Brito
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Katia Monte-Silva
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Hon AJ, Kraus P. Spasticity Management After Spinal Cord Injury. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-020-00280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Fujiwara T. The role of spinal reciprocal inhibition and intracortical inhibition in functional recovery from stroke. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:1701-1705. [PMID: 32556426 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinal reciprocal inhibition (RI) and intracortical inhibition are important physiological mechanisms for voluntary movement control and functional recovery of voluntary movement in patients with stroke. Spasticity, which impairs motor performance, is one of the major manifestations of stroke. RI may be involved in reducing spasticity. This might allow finger extension, and, therefore, better hand function by reducing co-contraction with finger extensors. One potential mechanism of functional reorganization of the motor cortex is that pre-existing masking pathways are unmasked by decreased intracortical inhibition. The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA plays an important role in this process. Changes in RI might be mediated through unmasking of cortical pathways through decreased inhibition, with the neurotransmitter GABA. These changes can be assessed using short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) and RI. Functional recovery in the chronic phase of stroke induced by rehabilitation was accompanied by SICI and spinal RI changes. Cortical reorganization and spinal plasticity might play important roles in functional recovery induced by rehabilitation, even in patients with chronic severe hemiparesis. This review aims to provide a focused overview of neuroplasticity of spinal RI and intracortical inhibition associated with functional motor recovery from stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Fujiwara
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
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36
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Korupolu R, Stampas A, Singh M, Zhou P, Francisco G. Electrophysiological Outcome Measures in Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2020; 25:340-354. [PMID: 31844386 DOI: 10.1310/sci2504-340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Electrophysiological measures are being increasingly utilized due to their ability to provide objective measurements with minimal bias and to detect subtle changes with quantitative data on neural function. Heterogeneous reporting of trial outcomes limits effective interstudy comparison and optimization of treatment. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to describe the reporting of electrophysiological outcome measures in spinal cord injury (SCI) clinical trials in order to inform a subsequent consensus study. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Adult human SCI clinical trials published in English between January 1, 2008 and September 15, 2018 with at least one electrophysiological outcome measure were eligible. Findings were reviewed by all authors to create a synthesis narrative describing each outcome measure. Results: Sixty-four SCI clinical trials were included in this review. Identified electrophysiological outcomes included electromyography activity (44%), motor evoked potentials (33%), somatosensory evoked potentials (33%), H-reflex (20%), reflex electromyography activity (11%), nerve conduction studies (9%), silent period (3%), contact heat evoked potentials (2%), and sympathetic skin response (2%). Heterogeneity was present in regard to both methods of measurement and reporting of electrophysiological outcome measures. Conclusion: This review demonstrates need for the development of a standardized reporting set for electrophysiological outcome measures. Limitations of this review include exclusion of non-English publications, studies more than 10 years old, and an inability to assess methodological quality of primary studies due to a lack of guidelines on reporting of systematic reviews of outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Korupolu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas John P and Katherine G McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Argyrios Stampas
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas John P and Katherine G McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Mani Singh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas John P and Katherine G McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas John P and Katherine G McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Gerard Francisco
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas John P and Katherine G McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
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Leszczyńska K, Wincek A, Fortuna W, Huber J, Łukaszek J, Okurowski S, Chmielak K, Tabakow P. Treatment of patients with cervical and upper thoracic incomplete spinal cord injury using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Int J Artif Organs 2019; 43:323-331. [PMID: 31714170 DOI: 10.1177/0391398819887754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with parameters based on results of comparative neurophysiological studies in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. Results may help to understand mechanisms responsible for regeneration of the incomplete spinal cord after injury. METHODS Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions (three to five sessions per month for not less than 5 months) to 15 patients with C4-Th2 incomplete spinal cord injury were applied with individually designed parameters. One session consisted of bilateral stimulation of the primary motor cortex (for 10 min each with 800 stimuli in 2-s lasting trains and the inter-train intervals of 28 s) with frequency at 20-22 Hz and stimulus strength that was 70%-80% of the resting motor threshold (0.84-0.96 T). Recordings of surface electromyography at rest and during the attempt of maximal muscle contractions and motor evoked potentials were performed from abductor pollicis brevis and tibialis anterior muscles bilaterally. Amplitude parameters of surface electromyography and motor evoked potentials were used as outcomes. All neurophysiological tests were comparatively applied before and after treatment. RESULTS Decrease in surface electromyography amplitudes recorded at rest from abductor pollicis brevis (p = 0.009), increase in surface electromyography amplitudes during maximal contraction of abductor pollicis brevis (p = 0.03) and increase in motor evoked potential parameters recorded from abductor pollicis brevis (p = 0.04) were found. CONCLUSION Proposed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation algorithm reduced the increased muscle tension in upper extremity muscles, improved the function of upper extremity muscle motor units and slightly improved the transmission of efferent neural impulses within spinal pathways. Besides functional recovery in descending spinal pathways, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may also inhibit inevitable pathological changes in nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Leszczyńska
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotors Organs, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wincek
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotors Organs, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.,Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Juliusz Huber
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotors Organs, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jagoda Łukaszek
- Neurorehabilitation Center for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries AKSON, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Stefan Okurowski
- Neurorehabilitation Center for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries AKSON, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Tabakow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Imbalanced Corticospinal and Reticulospinal Contributions to Spasticity in Humans with Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurosci 2019; 39:7872-7881. [PMID: 31413076 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1106-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to the corticospinal and reticulospinal tract has been associated with spasticity in humans with upper motor neuron lesions. We hypothesized that these descending motor pathways distinctly contribute to the control of a spastic muscle in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). To test this hypothesis, we examined motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the leg representation of the primary motor cortex, maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), and the StartReact response (shortening in reaction time evoked by a startling stimulus) in the quadriceps femoris muscle in male and females with and without incomplete SCI. A total of 66.7% of the SCI participants showed symptoms of spasticity, whereas the other 33.3% showed no or low levels of spasticity. We found that participants with spasticity had smaller MEPs and MVCs and larger StartReact compared with participants with no or low spasticity and control subjects. These results were consistently present in spastic subjects but not in the other populations. Clinical scores of spasticity were negatively correlated with MEP-max and MVC values and positively correlated with shortening in reaction time. These findings provide evidence for lesser corticospinal and larger reticulospinal influences to spastic muscles in humans with SCI and suggest that these imbalanced contributions are important for motor recovery.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI) to date, its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We provide evidence, for the first time, of imbalanced contributions of the corticospinal and reticulospinal tract to control a spastic muscle in humans with chronic incomplete SCI. We found that participants with SCI with spasticity showed small corticospinal responses and maximal voluntary contractions and larger reticulospinal gain compared with participants with no or low spasticity and control subjects. These results were consistently present in spastic subjects but not in the other populations. We showed that imbalanced corticospinal and reticulospinal tract contributions are more pronounced in participants with chronic incomplete SCI with lesser recovery.
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Sangari S, Lundell H, Kirshblum S, Perez MA. Residual descending motor pathways influence spasticity after spinal cord injury. Ann Neurol 2019; 86:28-41. [PMID: 31102289 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). The neural mechanisms contributing to its development are not yet understood. Using neurophysiological and imaging techniques, we examined the influence of residual descending motor pathways on spasticity in humans with SCI. METHODS We measured spasticity in 33 individuals with motor complete SCI (determined by clinical examination) without preservation of voluntary motor output in the quadriceps femoris muscle. To examine residual descending motor pathways, we used magnetic and electrical stimulation over the leg motor cortex to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the quadriceps femoris muscle and structural magnetic resonance imaging to measure spinal cord atrophy. RESULTS We found that 60% of participants showed symptoms of spasticity, whereas the other 40% showed no spasticity, demonstrating the presence of 2 clear subgroups of humans with motor complete SCI. MEPs were only present in individuals who had spasticity, and MEP size correlated with the severity of spasticity. Spinal cord atrophy was greater in nonspastic compared with spastic subjects. Notably, the degree of spared tissue in the lateral regions of the spinal cord was positively correlated with the severity of spasticity, indicating preservation of white matter related to motor tracts when spasticity was present. INTERPRETATION These results support the hypothesis that preservation of descending motor pathways influences spasticity in humans with motor complete SCI; this knowledge might help the rehabilitation and assessment of people with SCI. ANN NEUROL 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sangari
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL
| | - Henrik Lundell
- Danish Research Center for Magnetic Resonance, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Monica A Perez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL
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Chen YJ, Huang YZ, Chen CY, Chen CL, Chen HC, Wu CY, Lin KC, Chang TL. Intermittent theta burst stimulation enhances upper limb motor function in patients with chronic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:69. [PMID: 31023258 PMCID: PMC6485156 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a form of repetitive transcranial stimulation that has been used to enhance upper limb (UL) motor recovery. However, only limited studies have examined its efficacy in patients with chronic stroke and therefore it remains controversial. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled patients from a rehabilitation department. Twenty-two patients with first-ever chronic and unilateral cerebral stroke, aged 30-70 years, were randomly assigned to the iTBS or control group. All patients received 1 session per day for 10 days of either iTBS or sham stimulation over the ipsilesional primary motor cortex in addition to conventional neurorehabilitation. Outcome measures were assessed before and immediately after the intervention period: Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block test (BBT), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). Analysis of covariance was adopted to compare the treatment effects between groups. RESULTS The iTBS group had greater improvement in the MAS and FMA than the control group (η2 = 0.151-0.233; p < 0.05), as well as in the ARAT and BBT (η2 = 0.161-0.460; p < 0.05) with large effect size. Both groups showed an improvement in the BBT, and there were no significant between-group differences in MAL changes. CONCLUSIONS The iTBS induced greater gains in spasticity decrease and UL function improvement, especially in fine motor function, than sham TBS. This is a promising finding because patients with chronic stroke have a relatively low potential for fine motor function recovery. Overall, iTBS may be a beneficial adjunct therapy to neurorehabilitation for enhancing UL function. Further larger-scale study is warranted to confirm the findings and its long-term effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID No. NCT01947413 on September 20, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fushing Street, Kuei-Shan District, Taoyuan City, 33305, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Zu Huang
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Medical School, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yao Chen
- Medical School, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fushing Street, Kuei-Shan District, Taoyuan City, 33305, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Early Intervention, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hsieh-Ching Chen
- Department of Industrial and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fushing Street, Kuei-Shan District, Taoyuan City, 33305, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Keh-Chung Lin
- School of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ling Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5, Fushing Street, Kuei-Shan District, Taoyuan City, 33305, Taiwan
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Krishnan VS, Shin SS, Belegu V, Celnik P, Reimers M, Smith KR, Pelled G. Multimodal Evaluation of TMS - Induced Somatosensory Plasticity and Behavioral Recovery in Rats With Contusion Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:387. [PMID: 31068784 PMCID: PMC6491761 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes partial or complete damage to sensory and motor pathways and induces immediate changes in cortical function. Current rehabilitative strategies do not address this early alteration, therefore impacting the degree of neuroplasticity and subsequent recovery. The following study aims to test if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in promoting plasticity and rehabilitation, and can be used as an early intervention strategy in a rat model of SCI. Methods: A contusion SCI was induced at segment T9 in adult rats. An rTMS coil was positioned over the brain to deliver high frequency stimulation. Behavior, motor and sensory functions were tested in three groups: SCI rats that received high-frequency (20 Hz) rTMS within 10 min post-injury (acute-TMS; n = 7); SCI rats that received TMS starting 2 weeks post-injury (chronic-TMS; n = 5), and SCI rats that received sham TMS (no-TMS, n = 5). Locomotion was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and gridwalk tests. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded from the forepaw across all groups to measure integrity of motor pathways. Functional MRI (fMRI) responses to contralateral tactile hindlimb stimulation were measured in an 11.7T horizontal bore small-animal scanner. Results: The acute-TMS group demonstrated the fastest improvements in locomotor performance in both the BBB and gridwalk tests compared to chronic and no-TMS groups. MEP responses from forepaw showed significantly greater difference in the inter-peak latency between acute-TMS and no-TMS groups, suggesting increases in motor function. Finally, the acute-TMS group showed increased fMRI-evoked responses to hindlimb stimulation over the right and left hindlimb (LHL) primary somatosensory representations (S1), respectively; the chronic-TMS group showed moderate sensory responses in comparison, and the no-TMS group exhibited the lowest sensory responses to both hindlimbs. Conclusion: The results suggest that rTMS therapy beginning in the acute phase after SCI promotes neuroplasticity and is an effective rehabilitative approach in a rat model of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijai S Krishnan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Shin
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Visar Belegu
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pablo Celnik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark Reimers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kylie R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Galit Pelled
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Choi H, Seo KC, Kim TU, Lee SJ, Hyun JK. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Enhances Recovery in Central Cord Syndrome Patients. Ann Rehabil Med 2019; 43:62-73. [PMID: 30852872 PMCID: PMC6409668 DOI: 10.5535/arm.2019.43.1.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on neurological and functional recovery in patients with central cord syndrome (CCS) involving the upper extremities between the treated and non-treated sides of the treated group and whether the outcomes are comparable to that of the untreated control group. Methods Nineteen CCS patients were treated with high-frequency (20 Hz) rTMS over the motor cortex for 5 days. The stimulation side was randomly selected, and all the subjects received conventional occupational therapy during the rTMS-treatment period. Twenty CCS patients who did not receive rTMS were considered as controls. Clinical assessments, including those by the International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and the O'Connor Finger Dexterity Test were performed initially and followed up for 1 month after rTMS treatment or 5 weeks after initial assessments. Results The motor scores for upper extremities were increased and the number of improved cases was greater for the treated side in rTMS-treated patients than for the non-treated side in rTMS-treated patients or controls. The improved cases for writing time and score measured on the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test were also significantly greater in number on the rTMS-treated side compared with the non-treated side and controls. There were no adverse effects during rTMS therapy or the follow-up period. Conclusion The results of the application of high-frequency rTMS treatment to CCS patients suggest that rTMS can enhance the motor recovery and functional fine motor task performance of the upper extremities in such individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Choi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Kyung Cheon Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Tae Uk Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Seong Jae Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jung Keun Hyun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 Plus NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.,Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.,Wiregene Co. Ltd., Cheonan, Korea
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Şan AU, Yılmaz B, Kesikburun S. The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Spasticity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Neurol 2019; 15:461-467. [PMID: 31591833 PMCID: PMC6785483 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2019.15.4.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose This randomized controlled study examined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods This study included 16 patients with a history of MS and spasticity in the adductor hip muscles according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The participants were randomized into the active group (n=10) and control group (n=6), in which active rTMS and sham rTMS were applied in 10 sessions, respectively. A physical therapy and rehabilitation program was applied along with rTMS sessions in both groups. The evaluation parameters were assessed at baseline and then 1 week and 1 month after applying rTMS. Results Statistical analyses with post-hoc correction revealed statistically significant improvements in the active group compared to the control group in the bilateral MAS score, Penn Spasm Frequency Scale score, patient satisfaction, amount of urine leakage, actual health status, perceived health status, energy and fatigue, role limitations due to physical problems, social function, overall quality of life, cognitive functioning, physical health composite score, mental health composite score, and total score on the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) (p<0.05). Statistically significant changes were detected in the MSQOL-54 social function and physical health composite scores of patients in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions Active rTMS combined with a physical therapy program reduced spasticity in MS patients compared to the control group that received only physical therapy. Further comprehensive and more advanced studies are needed to confirm the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayça Uran Şan
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Karabuk University Karabuk Training and Research Hospital, Karabuk, Turkey.
| | - Bilge Yılmaz
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Health Sciences University, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serdar Kesikburun
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Health Sciences University, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Albuquerque PL, Campêlo M, Mendonça T, Fontes LAM, Brito RDM, Monte-Silva K. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and trans-spinal direct current stimulation associated with treadmill exercise in spinal cord and cortical excitability of healthy subjects: A triple-blind, randomized and sham-controlled study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195276. [PMID: 29596524 PMCID: PMC5875883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over motor cortex and trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) modulate corticospinal circuits in healthy and injured subjects. However, their associated effects with physical exercise is still not defined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different settings of rTMS and tsDCS combined with treadmill exercise on spinal cord and cortical excitability of healthy subjects. We performed a triple blind, randomized, sham-controlled crossover study with 12 healthy volunteers who underwent single sessions of rTMS (1Hz, 20Hz and Sham) and tsDCS (anodal, cathodal and Sham) associated with 20 minutes of treadmill walking. Cortical excitability was assessed by motor evoked potential (MEP) and spinal cord excitability by the Hoffmann reflex (Hr), nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) and homosynaptic depression (HD). All measures were assessed before, immediately, 30 and 60 minutes after the experimental procedures. Our results demonstrated that anodal tsDCS/treadmill exercise reduced MEP's amplitude and NFR's area compared to sham condition, conversely, cathodal tsDCS/treadmill exercise increased NFR's area. High-frequency rTMS increased MEP's amplitude and NFR's area compared to sham condition. Anodal tsDCS/treadmill exercise and 20Hz rTMS/treadmill exercise reduced Hr amplitude up to 30 minutes after stimulation offset and no changes were observed in HD measures. We demonstrated that tsDCS and rTMS combined with treadmill exercise modulated cortical and spinal cord excitability through different mechanisms. tsDCS modulated spinal reflexes in a polarity-dependent way acting at local spinal circuits while rTMS probably promoted changes in the presynaptic inhibition of spinal motoneurons. In addition, the association of two neuromodulatory techniques induced long-lasting changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plínio Luna Albuquerque
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Physical Therapy, Centro Universitário Tabosa de Almeida, Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mayara Campêlo
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Thyciane Mendonça
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Luís Augusto Mendes Fontes
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Mattos Brito
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Katia Monte-Silva
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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45
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Nardone R, Langthaler PB, Orioli A, Höller P, Höller Y, Frey VN, Brigo F, Trinka E. Effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation on spasticity after spinal cord injury. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2018; 35:287-294. [PMID: 28598858 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-160701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spasticity is a common disorder in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to investigate whether intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a safe, non-invasive and well-tolerated protocol of excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), is effective in modulating spasticity in SCI patients. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled study, ten subjects with incomplete cervical or thoracic SCI received 10 days of daily sessions of real or sham iTBS. The H/M amplitude ratio of the Soleus H reflex, the amplitude of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) at rest and during background contraction, as well as Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the Spinal Cord Injury Assessment Tool for Spasticity (SCAT) were compared before and after the stimulation protocols. RESULTS Patients receiving real iTBS showed significant increased resting and active MEPs amplitude and a significant reduction of the H/M amplitude ratio. In these patients also the MAS and SCAT scores were significantly reduced after treatment. These changes persisted up to 1 week after the end of the iTBS treatment, and were not observed under the sham-TBS condition. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that iTBS may be a promising therapeutic tool for the spasticity in SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Patrick B Langthaler
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Mathematics, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andrea Orioli
- Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy
| | - Peter Höller
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Yvonne Höller
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vanessa N Frey
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Merano, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Nene AV, Rainha Campos A, Grabljevec K, Lopes A, Skoog B, Burns AS. Clinical Assessment of Spasticity in People With Spinal Cord Damage: Recommendations From the Ability Network, an International Initiative. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:1917-1926. [PMID: 29432722 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A thorough assessment of the extent and severity of spasticity, and its effect on functioning, is central to the effective management of spasticity in persons with spinal cord damage (SCD). These individuals however do not always receive adequate assessment of their spasticity. Inadequate assessment compromises management when the effect of spasticity and/or need for intervention are not fully recognized. Assessment is also central to determining treatment efficacy. A barrier to spasticity assessment has been the lack of consensus on clinical and functional measures suitable for routine clinical practice. To extend on existing work, a working group of the Ability Network identified and consolidated information on possible measures, and then synthesized and formulated findings into practical recommendations for assessing spasticity and its effect on function in persons with SCD. Sixteen clinical and functional measures that have been used for this purpose were identified using a targeted literature review. These were mapped to the relevant domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to assess the breadth of their coverage; coverage of many domains was found to be lacking, suggesting a focus for future work. The advantages, disadvantages, and usefulness of the measures were assessed using a range of criteria, with a focus on usefulness and feasibility in routine clinical practice. Based on this evaluation, a selection of measures suitable for initial and follow-up assessments are recommended. The recommendations are intended to have broad applicability to a variety of health care settings where people with SCD are managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand V Nene
- Roessingh Center for Rehabilitation, Roessingh Research & Development, Enschede, The Netherlands, Canada.
| | | | | | - Arminda Lopes
- Centre of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of the South, São Brás de Alportel, Portugal, Canada
| | - Bengt Skoog
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, Canada
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Dey S, Bose S, Kumar S, Rathore R, Mathur R, Jain S. Extremely low frequency magnetic field protects injured spinal cord from the microglia- and iron-induced tissue damage. Electromagn Biol Med 2017; 36:330-340. [PMID: 29140736 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2017.1389750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is insult to the spinal cord, which results in loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury. SCI results in both immediate mechanical damage and secondary tissue degeneration. Following traumatic insult, activated microglia release proinflammatory cytokines and excess iron due to hemorrhage, initiating oxidative stress that contributes to secondary degeneration. Literature suggests that benefits are visible with the reduction in concentration of iron and activated microglia in SCI. Magnetic field attenuates oxidative stress and promotes axonal regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The present study demonstrates the potential of extremely low frequency magnetic field to attenuate microglia- and iron-induced secondary injury in SCI rats. Complete transection of the spinal cord (T13 level) was performed in male Wistar rats and subsequently exposed to magnetic field (50 Hz,17.96 µT) for 2 h daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the study period, spinal cords were dissected to quantify microglia, macrophage, iron content and study the architecture of lesion site. A significant improvement in locomotion was observed in rats of the SCI + MF group as compared to those in the SCI group. Histology, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry revealed significant reduction in lesion volume, microglia, macrophage, collagen tissue and iron content, whereas, a significantly higher vascular endothelial growth factor expression around the epicenter of the lesion in SCI + MF group as compared to SCI group. These novel findings suggest that exposure to ELF-MF reduces lesion volume, inflammation and iron content in addition to facilitation of angiogenesis following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumil Dey
- a Department of Physiology , All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi , India
| | - Samrat Bose
- a Department of Physiology , All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi , India
| | - Suneel Kumar
- a Department of Physiology , All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi , India
| | - Ravinder Rathore
- b Department of Microbiology , All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi , India
| | - Rashmi Mathur
- c Department of Physiology , NDMC Medical College and Hindurao Hospital , New Delhi , India
| | - Suman Jain
- a Department of Physiology , All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi , India
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de Araújo AVL, Barbosa VRN, Galdino GS, Fregni F, Massetti T, Fontes SL, de Oliveira Silva D, da Silva TD, Monteiro CBDM, Tonks J, Magalhães FH. Effects of high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation on functional performance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:522. [PMID: 29110687 PMCID: PMC5674824 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been investigated as a new tool in neurological rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, due to the inconsistent results regarding the effects of rTMS in people with SCI, a randomized controlled double-blind crossover trial is needed to clarify the clinical utility and to assess the effect size of rTMS intervention in this population. Therefore, this paper describes a study protocol designed to investigate whether the use of rTMS can improve the motor and sensory function, as well as reduce spasticity in patients with incomplete SCI. Methods A double-blind randomized sham-controlled crossover trial will be performed by enrolling 20 individuals with incomplete SCI. Patients who are at least six months post incomplete SCI (aged 18–60 years) will be recruited through referral by medical practitioners or therapists. Individuals will be randomly assigned to either group 1 or group 2 in a 1:1 ratio, with ten individuals in each group. The rTMS protocol will include ten sessions of high-frequency rTMS (5 Hz) over the bilateral lower-limb motor area positioned at the vertex (Cz). Clinical evaluations will be performed at baseline and after rTMS active and sham. Discussion rTMS has produced positive results in treating individuals with physical impairments; thus, it might be promising in the SCI population. The results of this study may provide new insights to motor rehabilitation thereby contributing towards the better usage of rTMS in the SCI population. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02899637. Registered on 25 August 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2280-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gilma Serra Galdino
- Department of Physiotherapy - UEPB, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Harvard Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thais Massetti
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, EACH - USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Lynn Fontes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Talita Dias da Silva
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, EACH - USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - James Tonks
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK.,University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.,Haven Clinical Psychology Practice, Cornwall, UK
| | - Fernando Henrique Magalhães
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, EACH - USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Telecommunication and Control, Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, n. 158. Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-010, Brazil.
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49
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Gupta D, Barachant A, Gordon AM, Ferre C, Kuo HC, Carmel JB, Friel KM. Effect of sensory and motor connectivity on hand function in pediatric hemiplegia. Ann Neurol 2017; 82:766-780. [PMID: 29034483 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that somatosensory system injury would more strongly affect movement than motor system injury in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (USCP). This hypothesis was based on how somatosensory and corticospinal circuits adapt to injury during development; whereas the motor system can maintain connections to the impaired hand from the uninjured hemisphere, this does not occur in the somatosensory system. As a corollary, cortical injury strongly impairs sensory function, so we hypothesized that cortical lesions would impair hand function more than subcortical lesions. METHODS Twenty-four children with unilateral cerebral palsy had physiological and anatomical measures of the motor and somatosensory systems and lesion classification. Motor physiology was performed with transcranial magnetic stimulation and somatosensory physiology with vibration-evoked electroencephalographic potentials. Tractography of the corticospinal tract and the medial lemniscus was performed with diffusion tensor imaging, and lesions were classified by magnetic resonance imaging. Anatomical and physiological results were correlated with measures of hand function using 2 independent statistical methods. RESULTS Children with disruptions in the somatosensory connectivity and cortical lesions had the most severe upper extremity impairments, particularly somatosensory function. Motor system connectivity was significantly correlated with bimanual function, but not unimanual function or somatosensory function. INTERPRETATION Both sensory and motor connectivity impact hand function in children with USCP. Somatosensory connectivity could be an important target for recovery of hand function in children with USCP. Ann Neurol 2017;82:766-780.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disha Gupta
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY.,Computational Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.,Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY
| | | | | | | | - Hsing-Ching Kuo
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jason B Carmel
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY.,Blythedale Children's Hospital, Valhalla, NY
| | - Kathleen M Friel
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY.,Blythedale Children's Hospital, Valhalla, NY
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Yozbatiran N, Keser Z, Hasan K, Stampas A, Korupolu R, Kim S, O’Malley MK, Fregni F, Francisco GE. White matter changes in corticospinal tract associated with improvement in arm and hand functions in incomplete cervical spinal cord injury: pilot case series. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2017; 3:17028. [PMID: 28944083 PMCID: PMC5601321 DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2017.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is a prospective clinical pilot case series. Improvement of arm and hand functions after spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the major rehabilitation goals. Electrical stimulation of the primary motor cortex via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) coupled with high-intensity repetitive motor training may have potential to facilitate improvement in motor function in chronic, incomplete cervical SCI. We investigated the relationship between motor recovery and changes in white matter integrity in response to treatment intervention. This study was conducted in The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Memorial Hermann, Houston, USA. CASE PRESENTATION Four right-handed adults with chronic, incomplete cervical SCI (age, 36-63 years, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade C-D) were enrolled in 10 sessions of anodal tDCS at 2 mA versus sham tDCS followed by 1 h of robotic-assisted arm training. Changes in arm and hand function were measured with Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and Motor Activity Log-Amount of Use. Diffusion tension imaging was used to measure changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) of corticospinal tracts (CSTs). DISCUSSION After 10 sessions of treatment, we found greater improvement in hand function and hand usage in patients who received active tDCS treatment versus sham treatment. There was an overall positive change in FA values across all patients. We show changes in arm and hand function associated with changes in CST tractographic mapping to quantify the motor system components in chronic incomplete cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Yozbatiran
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zafer Keser
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khader Hasan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Argyrios Stampas
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Radha Korupolu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sam Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marcia K O’Malley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Spaulding Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerard E Francisco
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center, UTHealth NeuroRecovery Research Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
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